Filtered by author: FSSA Headquarters Clear Filter

FSSA Publishes Statement on PFAS Regulation

At the request of FSSA membership, the FSSA PFAS Task Force has published the FSSA Advocacy Statement on Clean Agent Fire Suppressants and PFAS Regulation.

This document supports FSSA’s position that a “total ban” approach to PFAS compounds could impact society’s ability to protect mission critical applications, which keep people safe. Any legislation or regulation that restricts the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, or use of PFAS should exclude Clean Agents when they are used in fire and explosion protection applications. The document outlines the difference between PFAS, clean agents fire suppressants, and clean agents to help clearly define this issue for our members and provide fact-based information and guidance to regulators, AHJs, architects, the consulting design community, and other industry stakeholders. FSSA supports rational science-based efforts to eliminate sources of harm to humans and the environment. Due to the high risk to society in eliminating all PFAS materials due to an unnecessarily broad classification of compounds, we advocate for a scientific approach that distinguishes between Persistent,  Bioaccumulative and Toxic PFAS (PBTs) compounds from those which are not known to be PBT, based upon the best available science.

Read More

FSSA and Euralarm Sign MOC

FSSA and European-based Euralarm have recently signed a memorandum of cooperation together. The reciprocal cooperation will focus on education, research, service, and other related activities in the domain of fire safety. Areas of cooperation may include technical guidance, research and development, thought leadership, and collaboration.

About Euralarm

Read More

An Update from the FSSA PFAS Task Force

FSSA Members:

We hope everyone is enjoying the start of summer! The FSSA PFAS Task Force has been continuing to meet weekly to provide updates, resources, and webinars for you. 

Read More

EPA Publishes HFC Allocation Program Fact Sheet

The EPA has issued its Fire Suppressant Recycling Under the HFC Allocation Program Questions and Answers Fact Sheet dated May 2023. It provides guidance regarding when a company is considered an HFC Fire Suppressant Recycler, and its reporting obligations under the AIM Act. This guidance was first requested by FSSA in March 2022. A key provision in the fact sheet:

Who qualifies as an HFC fire suppressant recycler?

Read More

June 15 is the Next FSSA Webinar

FSSA Webinar: Differentiating PFAS

Thursday, June 15, 2023
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern
Presented by: Paul Rivers, FSSA Honorary Member

Per and polyfluoro alkyl compounds (PFAS) in end use are ubiquitous in society today.  PFAS are essential for modern life to which we are accustomed.  From semiconductors, computers, smart phones, pharmaceuticals, to BESS systems, refrigerants, fire protection foams and clean agents, pipe thread tape, dental floss, our car engines, to even the planes in which we fly, it is hard to imagine life without PFAS.

But, like good and bad cholesterol, there are good and bad PFAS.  Unfortunately, ‘good’ PFAS, comprising the vast majority of the estimated 7,500 to 15,000 materials meeting the PFAS definition depending on the reference, are conflated with the minimal number of ‘bad’ PFAS.  Thus, people mistakenly label the good the same as the bad.  Most notably in the fire suppression industry, ‘bad’ PFAS are the PFOS and PFOA contained in aqueous film forming foam, or AFFF, heretofore in general use.



Read More

Join the Next FSSA Town Hall Meeting

Join the FSSA PFAS Task Force for a Zoom chat on Tuesday, May 30 at 2:00 pm Eastern. Members of the PFAS task force will be discussing the task force initiatives that have been happening over the past several months. You'll have a chance to ask questions and share comments on what FSSA can do to help you. If you're interested in attending, RSVP today using the link below.

Please note that ALL participants MUST RSVP in order to receive your personalized Zoom credentials. This meeting is for FSSA Members only.

Read More

FSSA Technical Committee Meeting - June 13, 2023

The FSSA Technical Committee meetings are held three times a year and is a great way to learn and share technical information about the special hazards fire suppression industry. There are nine installer members and nine manufacturer members who are part of the committee. FSSA members and guests are invited and encouraged to attend. 

The next technical committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 13 from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Eastern at BFPE International in Baltimore, MD. The committee will be hosting their meeting both in-person and online via zoom.

Read More

FSSA Educational Foundation Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship Opportunities Available for Students Studying Fire Protection

Supported by contributions from the fire suppression industry and other business groups and individuals, the FSSA Educational Foundation awards scholarships each year to candidates who are already or will be participating in fire protection programs at their universities to help them meet the ever-rising cost of a college education.

Read More

FSSA Message from the President

Brenton Harris, 2023-2024 FSSA President

FSSA Members:

Read More

Register Today for the Next FSSA Webinar on NFPA 855

FSSA Webinar: NFPA 855 - Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems

Tuesday, April 25, 2023
12:00 pm Eastern

As a Deputy Fire Marshal that has seen the impact of ESS fires and incidents as well as a member of the NFPA 855 committee, Brian will share his perspective on how the code was developed, highlight lessons learned from serious ESS incidents, and how the code should be interpreted and applied.

Presenter:

Brian Scholl, Deputy Fire Marshall, Phoenix Fire Department



Read More

Here's a Sneak Peak of the 2023 Annual Forum Educational Sessions

FSSA has some dynamic speakers, educational sessions, and technical sessions planned for the 2023 Annual Forum. Attendees will be able to earn PHDs, discuss real-time issues affecting the fire suppression industry, and network with over 140+ FSSA members at the partner expo. Check out some of the educational sessions below and make sure to register today!

Keynote Speaker: Vered Kogan

Leading Change With the Heart in Mind
Presented By: Vered Kogan





Read More

Last Day to Register at the Regular Rate for the FSSA Annual Forum

Today is the last day to save money by registering at the regular rate for the FSSA Annual Forum in San Juan, Puerto Rico from February 23-27, 2023. Join the 140+ FSSA members already registered for the conference where you’ll attend educational sessions and earn PDHs, network at the partner expo, and enjoy a little fun with beach Olympics.

Save today!  Click here for more details

Delegate
Regular registration until January 17
$1099.00

Delegate
Late registration starting January 18
$1299.00







Read More

Future Availability of Novec™ 1230 (FK-5-1-12)

3M Company recently issued a release stating the company’s intention to exit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) manufacturing and work to discontinue the use of PFAS across its product portfolio by the end of 2025.  This was a business decision by 3M and will include the manufacturing of its 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid - which is 3M’s trademarked-version of the FK-5-1-12 fire suppression agent.

In the release, 3M states that “PFAS can be safely made and used” and its “products are safe for their intended use.” The company commits to facilitating an orderly transition for customers. The announcement does pledge 3M will fulfill its current contractual obligations.

Read More
1 Comments

Last chance to register for the FSSA Annual Forum before pricing increases

Last chance to register for the FSSA Annual Forum before pricing increases
Bring in the new year with a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for FSSA's Annual Forum from February 23-27, 2023. Attendees will have access to educational sessions, best practices, and industry discussions taking place, as well as a little fun sprinkled in with beach Olympics and networking at the partner expo.

Regular registration rates are available until January 17, 2023.  Save today!  Click here for more details

Delegate
Regular registration until January 17
$1099.00

Delegate
Late registration starting January 18
$1299.00









Read More

Sponsorship Opportunities Are Still Available

Just a few more weeks to secure your sponsorship to support FSSA during the 2023 Annual Forum on February 23-27 at the Royal Sonesta in San Juan, Puerto Rico. FSSA has a variety of sponsorship opportunities that will be perfect for promoting your company, including activities like luncheon, networking reception, printed program, lanyards, and more!

With over 190 people registered for the conference, there’s no better chance to boost your company exposure in the industry. If you don’t see anything you’re interested in, contact FSSA to create an opportunity tailored to your company. The FSSA welcomes and appreciates your support.


Sponsorship Information

Each of the opportunities will include:




Read More

Technical Committee Openings for 2023 - Are You The Right Fit?

Technical Committee Openings for 2023 - Are You the Right Fit?

To:  FSSA Installer and Manufacturer Division Members

Read More

'Tis the Season for a Reason to Register!

It's the most wonderful time of the year to treat yourself to somewhere warm. Here's your chance to escape the cold weather by registering today for the FSSA Annual Forum on February 23 - 27, 2023 at the Royal Sonesta San Juan in Puerto Rico. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the sun during some fun activities, network with some of the top professionals in the industry, get exclusive updates on FSSA committee initiatives and more. Plus the hotel is located directly on the beach – so get ready to wrap yourself in a FSSA towel and enjoy the warmth.

FSSA Ambassador Program

FSSA Ambassador Program

 
The FSSA Global Outreach Committee is launching an ambassador program to expand the reach of the FSSA beyond the United States.
 

We are looking for FSSA members to serve as an ambassador and help us connect with international organizations to promote FSSA. Ambassadors are asked to commit to a 2-year term, with an option to extend for an additional 2-years with approval by the committee and board of directors.

Read More

Last Day to Register at Our Lowest Rate for the 2023 Annual Forum

Early bird registration ends today! 

Are you planning on attending the 2023 Annual Forum? Register today, December 6, to take advantage of our lowest registration rate before pricing increases.

Read More

Early Bird Deadline is 1 Week Away for the 2023 Annual Forum

Early Bird registration deadline is one week away! 

Take advantage of our lowest registration rate and register before the deadline on Tuesday, December 6. Join us for FSSA's next Annual Forum on February 23-27, 2023 at the Royal Sonesta in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In addition to the educational sessions where you’ll be able to earn PDHs, the committee has some fun sprinkled in, including optional historic tours, beach Olympics, and a live auction. Connect with hundreds of leading professionals in the industry at the FSSA Annual Forum by registering today.

Read More